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������Ƶ Indianapolis is hosting its on Wednesday, March 8, focusing on its new justice-involved program, “ELEVATE: Change Starts Here.”

As the entire ������Ƶ system celebrates 60 years of serving students and consistently meeting the needs of Indiana’s communities, ������Ƶ Indy is proud to spotlight ELEVATE during its annual celebration of community. 

ELEVATE: Change Starts Here provides justice-involved youth and adults in Marion, Hendricks, and Boone Counties access to higher education through ������Ƶ’s educational programs and certifications.

ELEVATE gives its program participants comprehensive, wrap-around services, including, but not limited to, academic support, mentorship, educational tools, and high-wage, in-demand employment opportunities.

The program serves individuals on parole, probation, or in community corrections.

“The ELEVATE: Change Starts Here program is answering the call to do its part to reduce recidivism, but more importantly, it is offering hope and an opportunity towards transformation for those most in need,” Michael Martin Drain, Director of ELEVATE, said.

_{^{Michael Martin Drain, Director of Elevate: Change Starts Here, speaks at the Campus Read Kick-Off Event on February 15.}}

Attendees of the Community Celebration on March 8 will learn about everything that has gone into the creation of ELEVATE and its remarkable success. 

“As a Community College, we see the issue, and we are doing our part to answer the call. The Community Celebration is a perfect event to showcase ������Ƶ Indianapolis’s dedication toward our returning citizens,” Martin Drain said.

Tracey Jackson, Vice Chancellor for Workforce and Career Development, says everyone at the 2023 Community Celebration is getting an exclusive first glance at just how much success the justice-involved program has had thus far. 

Community Celebration attendees will learn about program eligibility, assistance provided to participants, and hear from some of the program’s successful students.

“The great thing about the Community Celebration is you’ll get an opportunity to see why it is so important for us to invest in returning citizens,” Jackson said. “There will be a panel that will include community partners, stakeholders, and employer partners talking about bridging the gaps and providing historically marginalized groups with opportunities to obtain high-wage, high-demand jobs.”

The 2023 Community Celebration will be on Wednesday, March 8, from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Culinary and Conference Center, located at 2820 N. Meridian St., on ������Ƶ Indianapolis’ campus. , and plan to enjoy some light hors d’oeuvres and live music after the panel discussion.

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